The Charleston Gazette - West Virginia News and Sports

If you've ever read this column in your life, you know two things for sure: Rob is half Italian, and I don't make pie crust. So while Rob's busy dousing everything on his plate in tomato sauce, I'm dreaming up new ways to sneak around the words "roll out thinly and transfer to pie plate."

Greek pastry featured at church fundraiser

If it's not all Greek to you, and you're particular about your pastry, you'd better get to the Holiday Greek Pastry Sale early on Saturday. The selection will dwindle before the sale ends next Sunday, said organizer Chris Bennett. The pastry sale is all that remains of the popular Greek dinners the church members previously produced.

Contest: Holiday bake-off for must-have cookies

The Main Ingredient

Growing up in different areas - southwestern Pennsylvania for me, Greenbrier County for her - Tara and I over the years have been able to introduce each other to a few new foods.

Julie Robinson

A hill of beans

Once a year, Margaret Morris cooks up pinto beans, corn bread, roasted potatoes and greens for a crowd. A big crowd.

At the heart of it all

Twenty-five years ago, one of her five sisters-in-law asked Theresa DeCaria of Weirton for a special Christmas present. She requested copies of the recipes her mother-in-law, Virginia DeCaria, served her large Italian family all her married life.

Gardening gourmets

The Belmont Garden Club recently published "Gourmet Gardeners' Cookbook," which is a common enough fundraising tact, but this cookbook is well worth its $15 price tag. Its nicely balanced sections contain classics with a spin as well as some deliciously fresh ideas.

Judy Grigoraci

Sweet treats to suit anyone who comes for Thanksgiving

SINCE Thanksgiving is approaching, I thought it might be time for something sweet. You know you can enjoy a serving of your regular holiday fare with good planning and portions.

Darcie Boschee

Tiramisu recipe lives up to 'cheer me up' translation

Most examples of tiramisu I've eaten were insipid creations that are purchased - and served - frozen, or are soggy, boozy or without taste. Luckily, tiramisu isn't difficult to make, and the homemade version will cheer up anyone.

Making marshmallows -- waiting is the hard part

I like it when I can surprise people with my pastimes of cooking and baking. When I present friends or acquaintances with something like home-cured bacon, they are usually incredulous: "You MADE that?" Most recently I had that response when I made marshmallows.